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The cyber security and information assurance education landscape has changed drastically in recent years. While there are tons of opportunities for those who pursue cyber security education at any educational level, students should know that there are a wide variety of academic disciplines through which they can study cyber security. Students looking to move into management of cyber security or those seeking to focus solely on technical issues would do well to consult the following, as well as our degree pages to ascertain what the most fitting cyber security academic discipline to pursue might be for them.

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Cybersecurity

An Associate of Science in Cybersecurity will train learners with the technical skills they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals in an number of areas, including but not limited to cybercrime, cyberwarfare, cyberlaw, biometrics, cryptography, digital forensics, homeland security, and wireless or mobile defense mechanisms. In addition to preparation to enter a B.S. program in Cybersecurity, many affordable A.S. programs in Cybersecurity also provide preparation to sit for certification in the learner’s preferred area of cybersecurity specialization.

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Computer Forensics

An Associate of Science in Computer Forensics will train learners with the technical skills they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals in an number of areas, including but not limited to programming, networking technologies, criminal justice, and various operating systems. In addition to preparation to enter a B.S. program in Computer Forensics, many affordable A.S. programs in Computer Forensics also provide preparation to sit for certification in the student’s preferred area of specialization in cybersecurity.

An Associate of Science in Network Security will train learners with the technical skills they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals, including but not limited to networking fundamentals, computer technology, data security, computer forensics, and various operating systems. In addition to preparation to enter a B.S. program in Network Security, many affordable A.S. programs in Computer Forensics also provide preparation to sit for certification in the student’s preferred area of specialization in cybersecurity.

Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Cybersecurity

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will train learners with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge they need to earn careers as cyber security professionals in an number of areas, including but not limited to cybercrime, cyberwarfare, cyberlaw, biometrics, cryptography, digital forensics, homeland security, and wireless or mobile defense mechanisms. Many affordable B.S. programs in Cybersecurity also provide preparation to sit for certification in the learner’s preferred area of cybersecurity specialization.

A Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance will typically train learners to tackle tough subject areas that include but are not limited to hackers, data protection, Internet security, network security, infrastructure design, e-commerce, and digital forensics. Some affordable B.S. programs in Information Assurance also provide preparation to sit for certification in the student’s preferred area of specialization in cybersecurity.

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science often requires learners to sample from a wide range of classes in computer science, including but not limited to computer programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and information theory. This degree program is ideal for prospective cybersecurity professionals who want to experience a full range of computational awareness and build a strong foundation in the basics that form the foundation of cybersecurity. Some affordable B.S. programs in Computer Science also provide preparation to sit for certification in the student’s preferred area of specialization in cybersecurity.

Masters in Cyber Security degrees build off of the academic coursework of a bachelors-level cyber security degree. Though, more popularly, masters often welcome students with some technical background and who are looking to transition to cyber security roles. Common coursework at this level of cybersecurity training is more technical than theoretical, focusing on advanced techniques including those involved with preserving data integrity, resiliency in data architecture, disastear recovery, continuinty planning and risk management. Many degree programs have also begun to focus on interdisciplinary approaches great for those looking to move into management. Interdiscplinary coursework may include work in technology, forensics, management, law, science, business, and psychology.

Many universities with well established masters in computer science programs have elected to offer cyber security programming through specializations or emphases in their computer science masters. While comperable with a masters in cyber security, expect to (surprise, surprise!) focus more on high-level computing courses, and then to move into cyber security-focused courses through a few electives. For students looking to gain some serious technical chops or explore cutting edge technical applications, this can definitely be the way to go. Expect to take courses in programming, analysis of algorithms, software engineering and architecture, as well as operating systems. On the cyber security front, most programs offer courses in cryptography, digital forensice, and networking security.

As seen by a number of recent high profile hacks, cyber security is potentially as much about securing infrastructure and hardware and software. And with the exponentially increasing number of connected devices, focus on hardware security is only set to increase. This is where a Masters in Computer Engineering with a focus on cyber security comes in. Traditionally, computer engineering differs from computer science through the fact that course work focuses on both hardware and software development. Reverse engineering, intellectual property protection, operating systems, and digital forensics.

An MS in Information Assurance (alternatively named information assurance and security) degree provides a unique multi-displinary focus on technical and managerial aspects of cyber security. Common multidisciplinary coursework topics in an IA degree might include law, the social sciences, criminology, technology, and management. Common objectives include not only building on existing technical exerience as they relate to networking and computer system security practices, but learning communication methods helpful in management roles, as well as learning about the legal and ethical context of cyber security-related situations to assist in decision making.

Generally speaking, Masters of Science in Information Technology that provide emphases, concentrations, or focus areas in security tend to focus more on the business, ethical, and decision making sides of cyber security, and spend a little less time on the technical aspects of cyber security. Great for current IT managers, Information Technology degrees that focus on cyber security often seek to expose students to the latest cyber security trends and best practices, enhance student knowledge of managing the creation of cyber security goods, and understanding the legal and ethical connundrums surrounding many cyber security situations.

A Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Cyber Security is a very new degree, though there are some programs (including a handful online). One of the main functions of a PhD in Cyber Security is to prepare the next generation of professors and researchers in the discipline, also, to give students the chance to pursue prolonged research into the latest theoretical or technical components of cyber security. For students seeking to get into the highest levels of cyber security policy development, or who would benefit from a prolonged ability to research a topic of their choice with the guidance and resources of an institution of higher learning, a PhD in Cyber Security may bea great choice. Most PhDs in Cyber Security require a masters in a related field (Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cyber Security).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science is traditionally the way to get a doctoral-level degree in security. As many doctorates are generally paired with prolonged and substantive research into an area of study of interest to the doctoral candidate, students may elect to focus on security measures in their Computer Science doctorate. As with doctoral degrees in most fields, many programs advise students to contact individual programs to ascertain whether the research department professors are doing is a good fit for your individual research goals.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Assurance

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Assurance, similarly to masters level work in the area, is generally slightly more interdisciplinary than a doctoral degree in cyber security or computer science. For students looking to focus more on policy, decision making, or the study of a less technical aspect of cyber security, a Ph.D. in Information Assurance can be a great route to pursue.

We seek to provide a wide range of resources at Cyber Security Degrees. Resources for those already established in the field of cyber security, the general public, and those seeking a cyber security education.